SOLANA BEACH 
For five decades, actor Jonathan McMurtry has made a living doing what he loves best — all while living in San Diego. He is among the few lucky ones.

“It’s difficult for actors who are Equity (the actors’ union) to get work at the smaller San Diego theaters,” said McMurtry, from his home in Vista. “The smaller theaters can’t afford Equity actors.”

That could all change with the establishment of the Jonathan McMurtry Actors’ Fund by North Coast Repertory Theatre. The fund will provide financial assistance to smaller theaters so they can hire professional actors. The idea began as a way to honor McMurtry.

“Jonathan has had a unique career, and he is a consummate actor,” said David Ellenstein, artistic director of North Coast Repertory Theatre. “He is a generous and caring guy who has given San Diego so much of his life. Few actors have worked so consistently over 50 years. I wanted to honor and appreciate him.”

Ellenstein decided that the best means to commemorate the actor and his work would be by funding a cause that’s near and dear to McMurtry’s heart.

“Jonathan cares about an actor’s dignity,” Ellenstein said. “He wants to see actors be able to make a living wage. This fund will help theaters augment how we pay professional actors. I was an actor for so long, and it’s the one thing a theater can’t do without. But actors are the ones who are most often taken advantage of.”

McMurtry, who spent much of his career performing at The Old Globe in San Diego, recalled a recent incident whereby a minor injury turned into a trip to the hospital. Because he belongs to the union, his medical insurance made the visit affordable. Actors without a union might not have medical insurance.

“There are some very talented actors in San Diego who aren’t professional,” he said. “In the long run, this (fund) improves our profession.”

The fund will be kicked off Tuesday at a fundraising event that will honor McMurtry and his career. The evening will include food, wine and a host of tributes to McMurtry, including a few on video from people unable to attend.

“It’s a party that’s a combination roast and tribute,” Ellenstein said. “We’re just going to celebrate Jonathan for an hour and a half, then finish off with dessert and champagne. One hundred percent of the donations to attend will go to the fund.”

“It’s for a good cause, although I’m overwhelmed by the honor of having it named after me,” McMurtry said. “I think it’s a good idea. Because of this fund, the quality of work in San Diego will be better.”

As for the fund being named after McMurtry, Ellenstein puts his reasoning succinctly: “He deserves it. He is the consummate actor.”